IN MEMORIAM: Gerald Ash ‘73

The Rev. Gerald Arnold Ash, Class of 1973, of the Collington Community in Mitchellville, Maryland died peacefully surrounded by family at the Anne Arundel Medical Center on June 27, 2021.

The son of George and Kathleen (deLancy Carr) Ash, he was born in Danbury, Connecticut on May 2, 1941. He graduated from Union College in Schenectady, New York with an engineering degree before receiving a Master of Divinity from General. He served faithfully in parishes in New York, Pennsylvania, Ohio, and Maryland.

Ash loved to live life to the fullest. From his early days as a chorister at the Cathedral of St. John the Divine in New York City, he loved to sing Anglican choral music. He was a gourmet cook that could please the most discriminating palate. And what a green thumb he had when it came to gardening! He took great pleasure in decorating for holidays – especially Christmas – and loved to host a good party for friends and family. He was a good listener and always offered a warm perspective on almost any issue. He was loved by many and will be missed.

Ash was predeceased by his parents, his wife Cecilia Russell Fitzpatrick Ash, and his former wife Lea Evans Ash. Survivors include his son, Ian Thomas Ash of Tokyo, Japan, his daughter, Amanda Freeland (Ernest) of Annapolis, brother Richard (Brenda) and sister Elizabeth Ellis (Gerald); nephews Gregory and Christopher (Pamela) Ash, niece Melanie Ash Kenney (Richard), five great nephews and one great niece; stepson Dr. James Fitzpatrick (Leeann) and stepdaughters Laura Fitzpatrick Corbitt (Randy) and Amy Fitzpatrick Overbey (Michael); ten step grandchildren and two brother in laws Joe and Steve Russell.

Services will be held on Saturday, July 10 at 11:00 am at St. Margaret's Church, 1601 Pleasant Plains Road, Annapolis. A reception will follow. Memorial contributions may be made to Episcopal Relief & Development P.O. Box 7058, Merrifield, VA 22116-7058. Donations may be made online at http://episcopalrelief.org/.